His debut, an exclusive Golf Digest, Bobby Jones Fine Art and Fine Art NFT collection, was auctioned for $120,000 at the Gala.
As a special tribute to Anthony Ravielli, the most revered golf artist of all time, CR is donating an original, one-of- a-kind, Anthony Ravielli sketch. This sketch was created with Bobby Jones for their collaboration, Bobby Jones On Golf, 1966. The private relationship between Bobby Jones and Anthony Ravielli serves as the inspiration for CR’s mixed media painting and digital NFT.
Never before offered as a complete set, (original Ravielli sketch, Original CR mixed media painting and original one-of a-kind accompanying NFT), this rare auction item makes its first appearance at our Gala. These works of art will be featured in the February Golf Digest Issue making them the most desired collection of golf art ever offered and sold.
Read more about it on Golf Digest
Another original pixelated portrait of golf legend Jack Nicklaus sold for $50,000.
This Jack Nicklaus pixel portrait is the first of its kind. In a new modern series, Celebrity Golf Artist, CR explores the history of photography and its relationship to Pop Art and Pop Art movements. Through the use of exaggerated pixelation and hand colorization, these new works constantly change as the viewer moves their own point of view.
The inspiration of his father’s lifelong friendship with Jack or what he likes to call, “growing up with Jack,” makes this piece extra special. And Jack’s love of the game and his devotion to The First Tee were CR’s motivation behind creating this piece for the Swing Fore the Future Gala.
Giving back is of utmost importance to CR
Four generations of his family have treasured what golf has brought to their lives and families. His father’s memories of walking the fairways with Jack at Scioto CC, playing with him at Ohio State, being fraternity brothers or simply being kids shagging balls in their neighbourhood park, have deepened CR’s connection with golf and have helped him appreciate the importance of the role the First Tee plays in fostering the growth of the game and teaching Core Values to the next generation.
CR created this portrait as a tribute to Jack Nicklaus and his contributions to First Tee and was honored to have him sign it in support of the First Tee – Naples/Collier and its new learning center.
The Learning Center will allow First Tee to greatly expand its outreach by being able to offer both weekend and summer programs for children.“In the rainy season we won’t be washed anymore when we try to do a program,” Ann Bain, a First Tee board member and chair of the gala said. Within three years of its opening, First Tee projects will be able to effectively double its enrolment from 1,000 to 2,000.
There's "an opportunity to really make an impact on them in their lives,” Bain said. “It’s just going to be a perfect location for kids to have another out-of-school program."
]]>
Read the full article on golf Digest
]]>
Mixed media artist Christopher “CR” Obetz created a three-dimensional “Pop Art” assemblage celebrating Berg’s achievements on and off the golf course. Patty Berg – Anchored is based on rediscovered artwork from Anthony Ravielli, an acclaimed illustrator and artist best known for brilliant depictions of athletes in motion.
Read more about this incredible original piece in the unveiling article from Naples Daily News here.
]]>
Learn more about the exhibit at the Augusta History Museum that features the most famous golf artist ever.
]]>Our family golf legacy is a culmination of fellowship and friendship. It is about education of thegame and the preservation of the history of those who have played before us and those will come to know and love the game after we have moved on to a new fairway. It is about sharing and connecting with others so they will in turn have the opportunity to explore its wonders.
It is my hope that as you read this family history, you will see how anyone can be a part of the game. It is open to all. Golf offers more possibilities than one can imagine. When I was handed my first set of clubs, about the time I was big enough to carry a junior set, I never knew what I was being given. 55 years later, I realize I was being given the chance to be me. Not just my great uncle, grandfather or father. Not their expectations that I would become the next Jack Nicklaus, Club President or Club Champion. I was being given the chance to become myself, find my own relationship with the game and set free to walk the fairways of life.
The artistry of the game has in effect become the artistry of my life. Not only as a golfer and artist, but as a man who has learned that giving back, paying it forward and having an impact far beyond striking a little white dimpled ball is what matters.
The truth remains, had it not been for the generations before me, who each found their own place in the golf community, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I am an amalgamation of my past. My present is shaped by family history and daily life. As I celebrate the past, it is the future I protect.
Our family golf legacy was never carved in stone. It has been as free flowing as the golf swing. Like the first golf instruction book, Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons, my grandfather slipped into my golf bag on the driving range, each moment in time has led to the next. What was once the original swing sequence sharing the wisdom of Mr. Hogan’s quest to impart his knowledge of the golf swing to help others improve their own has now become the Fluid Swing Sequence of Life.
Art reflects life as life can also reflect art. There is always a takeaway. A transition is sure to follow. One can reach the top and no sooner find their way into action. Having an impact and follow through are direct results of taking action. This is not just a golf swing. It is life. A life that for four generations, I call home and give thanks for being a part.
]]>Over the years, it has been important to me to keep the American Dream Alive. The American Flag symbolizing Freedom, Strength, Hope and so much more is a constant source of my creative inspiration. When Big Dog Ranch Rescue asked me to create an All American Rescue Flag for the Denim Diamonds and Dogs Gala, the parallels became clear what direction I would take for this one-of a-kind rescue flag.
For over 15 years, Big Dog Ranch has been a source of giving to dogs in need of a friend and a home. The original vision of Lauree Simmons has been the guiding light. Lauree and her entire team along with each individual who has adopted a dog share that All American spirt of giving back to those in need.
As a mixed media artist, I search for what’s lost, forgotten or abandoned. My entire creative life has been devoted to my own theory of “Forgotten Beauty Found.” Constantly looking for ways to repurpose objects, give them a new life and a new voice is the foundation for each work. The All American Rescue Flag is in itself a rebirth.
Our flags may grow old, become tattered and torn from their service, yet they come alive in new ways to lead us again in hope. The elements in the 15K All American Rescue Flag each have a relationship to Big Dog Ranch Rescue. 15 Karats of rough diamonds have been placed throughout the flag. Symbolizing how precious each animal life is and the love and attention needed to polish the rough stone, these diamonds, like the ranch dogs, come alive and sparkle. Once forgotten, they are now found to live again.
]]>
When Christopher Obetz decided to give up the life he knew as an artist in New York City, he never imagined an old tugboat would help him find a new purpose. Obetz moved to Florida at the age of 46 for a change in lifestyle from big city living. “It was just moving at a pace that wore me out,” Obetz said.Shortly after moving to the Fort Myers area, he noticed an ad on Craigslist for a decommissioned US Coast Guard boat in LaBelle. “When I found him, he was looking for a new life and a new purpose, kind of like how I was too,” Obetz said.
]]>